The old Scottish-Dalriadan name MacElhaten is derived from a devotion to St. Catan, a saint of whom little is known but who was revered throughout the west coast of Scotland between the islands of Bute and Skye. The Gaelic form of the name was Mac Gille Chatain, which means son of St. Catan's servant.

MacElhaten Early Origins

The surname MacElhaten was first found in the area of Argyllshire on the Isle of Bute, and literally translated means the "servant of St. Catan," the patron saint of Bute, Skye, Colonsay, Gigha. St. Catan was said to have lived at the Abbey of Inchaffray on the isle of Skye.

MacElhaten Spelling Variations

MacElhaten Spelling Variations

Translation in medieval times was an undeveloped science and was often carried out without due care. For this reason, many early Scottish names appeared radically altered when written in English. The spelling variations of MacElhaten include McIlhatton, McElhatton, McElhatten, McGillecattan, McIlchattan, McHilhatton, Makelatyn, Macklehatton, McHatton and many more.

MacElhaten Early History

MacElhaten Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacElhaten research. Another 121 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1424, 1465, 1672, 1670 and 1685 are included under the topic Early MacElhaten History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacElhaten Early Notables (pre 1700)

MacElhaten Early Notables (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early MacElhaten Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacElhaten In Ireland

MacElhaten In Ireland

Some of the MacElhaten family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 47 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The MacElhaten were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: James McElhatten settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1866; Arthur, Alexander, Cornelius, and John McIlhattan and McIlhatten settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1860 and 1866.

The MacElhaten Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The MacElhaten Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.